Typically, a call to action takes place at the end of an article. However, this subject that we are about to discuss with you is of the utmost importance, and we’re going to call you into action right now. We need you to share this article with every municipality, school district, and law enforcement agency in the great state of Texas. That’s because the state of Texas currently has a live and open application for a $50 million grant to equip such agencies with bullet-resistant shields. Agencies interested in the Texas Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program MUST apply by September 19th!
That is great news, but we are thoroughly concerned about the language in the subsequent press releases that do not clarify the term “bullet resistant.” That might seem like a small nuance to you, but the failure to clarify could result in a repeat of the tragedy that took place in Uvalde, Texas. This is not to malign any law enforcement agency involved. However, law enforcement officers standing in the hallway while they are holding shields incapable of stopping rifle rounds should never happen again in this country. Never again. If you are interested in pursuing this grant, and you should be, please take a few minutes to hear us out on the matter. You should also know that the grant has a tight deadline. Priority applications are due by September 16th, and final applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm CST on September 19th, 2022.
All Ballistic Shields Are Not Created Equal
As a leader in the ballistics and armor industry, we often run into very smart and capable procurement specialists who are just not well versed in ballistics. That’s reasonable as if you are typically procuring items for large school districts, you’ve got other things on your mind than ballistics. However, with tears in our eyes, we are pleading with you to understand that all ballistic shields are not created equal. For instance, our Bellfire B3A is a very fine shield, and we’re proud to offer it to those in need. The only problem is that the Bellfire B3A would have been of very little use during the Uvalde school shooting, and it simply cannot step up to the plate to prevent a repeat of that terrible day. The Bellfire B3A is rated with a NIJ protection rating of IIIA which protects against stand alone handgun rounds, but not rifle rounds. During the Uvalde, officers were in possession of three similar shields, and the knowledge that those shields would not hold up likely contributed to the delay. It was only when US Marshals showed up with a rifle-rated ballistic shield that a safe approach to the classroom could be made. It was that rifle-rated shield that led the charge and ultimately brought an end to the carnage.
Texas Knows Ballistics But They Need To Clarify To The Public
Now, if there is any state in our great union that knows a thing or two about ballistics, that would be Texas. We love us some Texas here at HighCom, but the latest press release that only indicates “bullet resistant” could lead to a great deal of confusion down the line and a much greater tragedy. Texas is absolutely doing the right thing by offering school districts and municipalities the funds to protect their children. However, when it comes to schools, at least, nothing short of rifle rated is acceptable. Certainly not in Texas, where AR style weapons are as ubiquitous as armadillos and cowboy hats.
Procurement specialists of the world, please hear us when we tell you that you need Level III ballistic protection or above and nothing less. This is true whether or not you purchase from us or any other provider. This is the urgency and why we are asking others to spread the word to those pursuing these grants. It’s Level III or bust.
Rifle-rated shields are more expensive, but one rifle-rated shield leading the charge into the classroom is worth more than three handgun-rated shields collecting dust in the hallway. So, you’re looking for something like our Titan III shield that offers a multi-hit Level III+ rating. It’s also 30% lighter than other Level III shields we offer. When in doubt, just listen to other officers who have used this shield in action:
The TITAN III shines on multiple mission scenarios. In large homes, holding a doorway and hallway and even in mobile homes and trailers, the TITAN performs! Weapon presentation is smooth with the TITAN’s size, and not being top heavy like other shields is a major benefit. Operationally, the TITAN has the ability to stack operators with ample coverage and shines in CQB.
Investigator Sgt. Brad Ortiz, Texas Attorney General, Fugitive Apprehension Team
As a nation, we simply can’t repeat the tragedy of Uvalde and have officers holding useless shields when children’s lives are on the line. Certainly now when grants like these are available to help procure the more expensive rifle-rated shields. Whether you buy from us or buy from someone else, just make sure you get the ballistic ratings correct, and let’s keep our kids safe one classroom at a time.
Spread The Word And Check On Your Local Shield Grant Recipients
As soon as the press release came out, which failed to clarify the difference between rifle-rated shields and “bullet resistant” shields, our hearts sank. That’s because Texas is a big state, and we know we can’t get a hold of every school district or municipality in time. We do indeed currently provide rifle-rated shields in the great State of Texas, and our contract process with the state is streamlined and simple. If you’re interested, note that the preferred deadline for the grant is September 16th, with the final deadline being September 19th.
However, we’re just not sure that we can reach every agency in time to stop them from purchasing an under equipped bullet resistant shield elsewhere. Somewhere in that state is a department that’s about to make an inadequate purchase from a supplier who just sees a big government contract rather than an opportunity to save lives. That’s not us. Buy from us or don’t buy from us, but help us spread the word.
If you reach out to us for this grant, we’re going to clarify till the cows come home that all shields are not created equal. That’s not an upsell on our part; it’s life-saving information that must be heard. Please help us spread this word, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We’re in the business of saving lives and making sure everyone comes home at the end of their watch and, most certainly, when the final school bell rings for the day. All shields are not created equal, and thank you for helping us spread the word in the great Lonestar State.
Contact
Texas Grant: For more information on Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program, contact the eGrants help desk at [email protected] or call (512) 463-1919.
HighCom Armor: For more information on HighCom Armor’s Bellfire Shields, please fill out our online contact form here or call (614) 500-3065 to speak to our team directly.